Selecting the Digital Camera best for you

To make the most of your digital camera, you will need to have a good understanding of how it works. If you're new to digital photography or if you're interested in improving your shooting skills, the following information explains the capabilities of digital cameras.

Keep in mind the more you know about your camera the better shooter you’ll be. In photography, camera operations should be second nature. Being skilled at its operation will enable you to concentrate on capturing story-telling images and not be occupied with camera functions.

A variety of Digital cameras are available for every level and type of need, from point & shoot to advanced amateur to digital SLR's.


The three basic categories of digital cameras are:

1. Point and shoot cameras: These are small, compact cameras with built-in flashes, auto exposure/auto focus, and a fixed lens.
They are great for snap shots, but limit creative control. Some point and shoot cameras have a "shutter lag" which means there is a delay between the time you press the shutter button and the time the picture is taken.

A sample of typical point and shoot cameras with common features.


2. Advanced amateur camera (often called pro- consumer): Offers many features of pro -digital SLR'’S. They can be used in full auto mode and most importantly allows manual controls. Some have the ability to switch lenses while others have fixed lenses. Many entry level DSLR’S include both a hot shoe to attach a flash and a onboard flash with modes such as fully automatic, fill flash, or no flash options.

A selection of advanced amateur cameras.


3. Digital SLR cameras: These are the highest levels of digital cameras. They offer fast focus and shooting speeds. They are larger cameras and offer interchangeable lenses while also accepting external flashes. They provide more power and flexibility, high-quality sensors and processors, a wide range of sensitivity settings (ISO), and a full range of controls used for exposure options. Most have a wide variety of
available accessories.

Examples of common Pro Digital SLR'S.


Arm yourself with information, do your research to find the best fit for you. For more information and specific comparisons check out this resource, its one of the best gear review sites I've found. Digital Photography Review



This article, graphics and photography are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in part or as a whole in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author. Text, graphics and photos by Mike McLean